Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd (NAK)

[Alvie]

There are two basic theories for the origin of crude oil: biotic and abiotic. The biotic theory predominates. It attributes oil's formation to the decay of animal and plant matter. The less widely accepted – even controversial – abiotic theory denies the involvement of living organisms in the production of crude oil.

a·bi·ot·ic
/?abi'ädik/

adjective

physical rather than biological; not derived from living organisms.
"abiotic chemical reactions"

devoid of life; sterile.
"soils are seldom completely abiotic"